Chương 28: Love know no bounds

RAFAEL

I narrowed my eyes. I could feel the sweat threatening to fall from my forehead.

There was a high probability that I was going to lose the game, and I hate losing.

It was my day off, and I found myself in a tight game of chess with Ava. The board was set up on the center table, having us sit across from each other on the floor of Tori's living room.

This was our second game, and so far, I don't think there was still a way for me to redeem myself. I had lost the first, and apparently, I was going to lose this too.

My king was surrounded by his pawn and rook, and there were no available pieces to eliminate the threat of Ava's knight.

I let out a frustrated sigh, throwing my hands in the air.

"You won." The smile that was beginning to be one of my favorites appeared across her face.

"You went easy on me, Detective."

"Well, I guess you just have that effect on me, Ava." I watched as the smile on her face slowly disappeared, replaced by her usual unemotional expression.

"Rafael." Oh boy, this doesn't sound good.

For the brief time that Ava and I had been together, the tone in her voice whenever she called for my attention using my name, was usually some sort of a warning.

I recently picked that up remembering what she would often say right after she had my full attention.

"Please don't let me be your weakness."

"Why?"

"It's dangerous." I scratched the back of my head, looking at her sheepishly.

"In case you haven't noticed, the world is a dangerous place, Ava. I can protect myself. I can protect you". The silence that followed wasn't discomforting at all. I caught myself staring at her lips. If I lean a little closer, I might just forget about being a gentleman.

Lately, I have been thinking about her more often than I did in the past.

There were random moments when I would see a thing or two, which would instantly remind me of her, such as ramen.

Every time I hear or even see ramen, thoughts of her would invade my mind.

I'm afraid I had deeply fallen under her spell. Hence, the lip staring.

"You're thinking about kissing me, Detective."

"Can't I?"

There was that smile again.

"You can. But I'd like to keep you waiting. I want to stand by my standards, Rafael. I hope you understand".

Right. Of course. There was that.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. If everything had gone according to your plan, we'd be married by now".

"Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan."

"Or the world would be perfect." I shook my head.

"There's no perfect world."

"Exactly. We only live in a world full of lies". That actually reminded me of why I came to see her. Well, aside from the fact that I just wanted to.

"Listen, Ava, there's something I need to tell you."

"Don't." I looked at her, suddenly confused.

"What?"

"Rafael, didn't I tell you? Don't let me be your weakness".

I was about to open my mouth to ask her what she meant when all of a sudden, there was a strange buzz seemingly coming from everywhere, and I began thinking that Tori's place was about to blow up. I had to cover my ears and closed my eyes.

When I uncovered my ears and reopened my eyes, nothing seemed to have gone amiss. Ava was still sitting across from me, her face stoic.

"What just happened?"

"Did you forget? My answers have a price". As usual, no direct answer.

"Right. But could you at least tell me what was that for?"

"We can't trust our surroundings, Rafael. Now, I believe you have something to tell me".

I blew out another frustrated sigh.

Dang.

I was brimming with more questions. But knowing Ava, it was hopeless to even try.

"In fact, I do. Shay Zephanie is sick, isn't she?"

"Did she tell you that?"

"I live with the woman. How can I not find out?"

Ava raised an eyebrow in my direction.

"Fine. She didn't tell me directly, but last night we had a talk. No, wait. Actually, we had a deal".

"Let me guess; she used X as leverage." I blew out a low whistle.

"I'd really like to admit that I'm surprised you knew. But at this rate, I'm already assuming that you just know everything". She shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not, and apparently, you took the bait."

I wasn't proud of myself, but I had to do what I needed to. Despite my growing fondness and deepening feelings for Ava, I still have a job to do.

"Catching X and Marcus has always been my highest priority. How could I say no to that?"

"You don't trust me then." A look of genuine hurt had briefly crossed her usually unemotional expression, but it was gone in an instant.

"It's not that. I trust you with my life Ava." I paused and watched as realization dawned on her.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Rafael." It was my turn to shrug.

"What can I say? I like danger".

Ava caught on what I meant, a disarming smile spreading across her lips once more.

"She revealed herself to you in the means of getting you as an ally. If you play your cards right, you might pull out the same answers from her that you're desperately seeking from me. So, why Rafael, why are you disclosing this grand plan of hers to me?"

Of course, she would figure that out. I took a deep breath.

Just out with it, Rafael, be a man.

"Because it involves marrying Shay Zephanie." I paused, looking into Ava's beautiful golden brown eyes.

"For real."

4 May 2000

Terminal illness is the worst disease that a human could ever be diagnosed with. The chance of survival is approximately close to one or none at all.

It was always a pity to see families who had the unfortunate twist of fate to have a member of their loved ones suffer such an ill future.

On the scale of 1 to 10, I had chosen 1 for the unlikely possibility of ever being a part of those mourning families.

But I think I must have spoken too soon.

The daughter, whom I recently found, was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

I barely had the chance to know her, and yet, I might never will.

I can't just sit around and go on with my own life while the child who doesn't even know that I existed, was dying.

I need to do something.

She needed me.

I'm going to find a cure. I'm going to do everything in my power to save her.

I'm willing to do everything and anything to make her get better.

I'm willing to risk all I have and do even the impossible.

SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
shrEk2o3

Hey loves, you might notice some discrepancies in the story flow. I'm working on it. Also, I'm still inserting chapters in between published ones.. so... you might be notified of it. Hehe, just know, it might be in the middle. mehehe.. happy reading :D

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